Are We NUTS!

Sometimes you have to wonder. Several things hit me lately to indicate the United States is not long for what we have been...

They are...

We announce what our intelligence has told us about Iran. First we thought, or were convinced that they were on their way to a nuclear bomb, now we tell the world that we don't think so.
Why do we announce it!

The discussion on "waterboarding". Should we or shouldn't we. Let's make a clear policy on what we will do and won't do and announce that to the world.

Why?

There were tapes of interrogation, but they were destroyed. Ok, makes sense, but not to the ones that want it to be used politically and if the tapes are around, they soon will be leaked and I don't care how you slice it, it can be made to look bad for the US and a great training tool for the enemy.

Why is there so much discussion about these tapes.... Politics and down with the US, that's why!

Why do cities announce they are sanctuary cities and have decided which laws of our nation they will enforce and which ones they won't. Why?

If we do that with illegal immigration, why don't we announce on the "Welcome to our City" sign all the laws you get a free pass in our fair city.

Why?

I think we are nuts!

To Torture or Not

That is the debate. Just a quick thought.... Let us just put out there for our enemies what we will and won't do.... just as they do. Sure!

This is war, not a game.

If there is a debate on torture or not, let it be behind close doors. Keep them worrying about what we will do next.

Freedom comes from a difficult to change Constittion

In our country we have one opinion and "on the other hand" and we fight it out. Nothing wrong with that. For the life of the country it has been so.

So it is with the idea of Supreme Court justices. Strict Construction vs. A "living constitution. As you can imagine, I fall on the side of the SC's.

That is the route of freedom and freedom is what this country is about... or should be.

It is the route to a better life.
It is the route to a great country.
Here is why:

The constitution was constructed to make change difficult, except for those first 10 amendments. Since then it adopted amendments have been few and far between.

Difficult... the way it should be. It washes away the frivolous in time to think.

It makes us think, it makes us work and in the end it is better for all.

So to change we can go the hard route (amendments) or the easy route (judges that "find" new rights buried in the constitution).

If you have on burning issue, it makes sense to want a few judges give it to you than having go thru the amendment process.

the problem comes with someone else who has a 'burning" issue and it is not one you want.

So the "living constitution" judges make change easy. But that is just a end around of the process that has served us so well. It sidesteps the thinking process, it ignores the value of a long debate.

So ask your self if you want "my burning issue" to take the easy road and make it law over your objecctions.

The constitution, a wonderful think, it should be taught as thoroughly as some want birth control to be taught.

Freedom is not easy and it should not be made so.

A mini-update

Today is Nov. 6th... that last post was October 26th. Today the gas price is $3.05!

Getting Used to it!

Yesterday I went into town and the two gas stations I frequent accross the street from each other had a great disparity in price... one was $2.71 per gallon, the other was $2.81. I was in a hurry so I did not stop at the $2.71 to fill up, but I said to myself, I better fill up on the way back. I did and got the $2.71 price.

I can remember a couple years ago when the hurricane hit and gas prices went up to $3.00 and more and was mortified. Now I am happy to get it at $2.71, but also realize it will go higher.

I got used to it.

The Democrats are playing that game. Rep. Rangel put out his new tax "reform" plan with more and more taxes, but he assures us that it will be a more equitable distribution of the tax burden with more and more hitting the "rich".

With the "rich" paying more than three quarters of the total taxes, one wonders what the eventually "fair" distribution is. 80%... Maybe 90%. This is a question that is never answered.

But the ploy is to throw out these big tax increases, knowing that it won't be enacted right now, but we will get used to it and be very happy if the big tax increase comes in less than we feared.

So, get ready!

It is not about the CHILDREN!

The Madison Avenue (is that so 1950?) influence on the House and Senate is very pervasive. Just look at the titles of legislation; it always "Mom", "The Children" "Freedom" or any thing that sounds great, but does very little to describe what the bill does.

So it is now with the SCHIP bill, that covers poorer children with health care insurance. The Democrats demonize the Republicans saying; the are cold hearted and hate children. The Republicans say the bill covers those very able to buy the insurance and there is no need for the taxpayers to pay for it. Secondly it is "Socialized health care."

The bill is not the about "The Children" is is all about do we continue the slippery slope to the government governing health care or do we slow that process down.

You notice that I say "slow the process'. Make no illusions, we are headed to that end. The question is how long will it take!

The real question we have to ask ourselves is this what we want? Do we want a health care system that has never been proven effective in any country? Do we want the government makeing the decisions and manning the gate to health care or do we want to do it ourselves.

In truth it may be too late for that decision. Too many people like something for nothing even if it never is "nothing". We will pay a hefty price, much more than we are paying now for that "Free" healthcare!

Why so much talk about Universal Health Care - FREE

A conundrum... Universal Health Care has never worked successfully anywhere, why do e edge ever closer to a failed system, or a system that has never proven to be successful AND better than the current system?

The words FREE and SIMPLE work every time. Every thing we know about human behavior is if we reduce the cost we get more of it. Now, we do not really reduce the cost, universal health care will actually increase the total cost.... but we kid ourselves into believing that someone else will pay.

It sound good, and takes care of the hassles. Got a problem, go to the doctor whether a hangnail or a heart attack. "After all it's FREE".

The other way, private initiative, private insurance is messy. You have to think, you have to decide if it is really bad enough to go to the doctor... and you will have to pay a little.

FREE and SIMPLE always beat the messy, worry about cost, decide! Yikess... give me free and simple.... don't bother about the fact that they may schedule my bypass after I die!

A Teachable Moment Lost

On the View the guest was Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democrats in the House. The banter lead by Barbara Walters and Whoopie Goldberg got going in a gutter level.

Nancy's husband was in the audience and Whoopie immediately led the discussion about "doing" Nancy's handsome husband. And then it further degenerated to maybe a three-way "do".

When should that ever be daytime television with a governmental leader...never. What should have Nancy done.

Walk off! She did not have to condone this type of talk. By staying and "winking" at this type of talk she missed a very visible teachable moment.

Medical Mystery Time

With the campaign in high gear all the candidates on the Democrat side and a few on the Republican side will offer their own "Health Care Plan.

The plans can either be designed to win votes or improve and reduce the cost of healthcare. Here I refer to total costs, not that you or I may get if for "free" from the government.

After watching the medical profession up close and personal with my wife's problems and dealing with aging parents I have some insights in to what the candidates are up to and what works and what doesn't.

Questions to ask:

1. Since government provided and regulated care will NOT be less expensive. Is it government provided and controlled?

2. Does this plan cut the overall cost of health care? NOT can I individually get it for less. The candidates will always emphasize what it will do for you, not what it will do for the entire amount spent on health care in the country.

3. Is it market based? We cannot expand on the out of control Medicare. The only advantage of such a plan is it will hasten the implosion of the system to where a real fix has to be made.

4. Does it get control of malpractice lawsuits. You are paying double for lawsuits. First, you get extra unnecessary test to cover the doctor. Then you pay higher premiums of health care costs to cover this.

My fear is that we are so far down the road to socialized health care we have not real choice.

Public Service

Politicians like to add a high sounding name to legislation. For example: "The Patriot Act". You can name a lot of others but something got me to thinking and eventually my blood boiling!

Senator John Warner announced that he would not seek reelection to the senate again. He agave a high sounding speech and said it was an honor and privilidge to serve the people of Virginia and the United states for ____ so many years. He further urged that sometime in you life you should consider public service and serve the needs of others.

Senator McCain has said on several occassions that he has served his country all his life. He was in the military and then sought elective office and was elected. A lifetime of public service!

But there is another way to look at it. Senator Warner has been on the taxpayers dime for ___ many years. Senator McCain has been on the taxpayers dime "all his life".

Senators, the guy taking your order at McDonalds is serving the public just as much as you! He, indeed, is "meeting the needs of others" just as much as you!

Senators, get off your high horse, you had a job, you may have done well, but you are no more servicing the needs of others than my dad who worked for the Ingersoll-Rand all his life. He made impact tools better. Every time you go into a service station to have your tires rotated, they will use a tool my dad worked on. It works well, efficiently, makes our visit to the service station quicker, easier and perhaps less expensive.

So on this Labor Day, let's just remember, Public Service is not just getting on the taxpayers dime, it is serving the needs of others by just going to work and doing a good job!

Who would do this?

Who would define children as anyone less than 26 years old?

Who would attempt to give “free” health insurance to families that make 4 times the already inflated government determined “Poverty” level? A family of four making over $80,000 a year would be eligible for this “free” gift from the government.

Who would craft legislation that they know the President will veto?

Who would seek to drive the health care system of our country to a system that has never succeeded anywhere in the world?

The above is what the democrats in congress and the democratic candidates for president are hell bent to do?

Surely this is not an action that benefits the country.

Taxing less to get more. Who is the big government party?

There is always a debate in congress or around the water cooler about taxing more or taxing less. After all, government and life is about choices. You would think that the result is to get more (tax more) or get less (tax less) but that is not the result. You can sometimes actually get more money by taxing less. And sometimes you get less when you tax more.

So you have to ask…. What is the motive? The Democrats are demonized as “Tax and spend” and are associated with higher taxes. The Republicans like to say they are for less tax. So are the democrats dedicated to taking less of your money (by raising tax rates) and the republicans aiming to get more (by lowering tax rates)?

I think the dilemma can be solved by this: The representative and senators always want to “give something” to their voters. How best to do this. The democrats way or seeming to tax and then spend is more rational, even if it does not always work. The Republicans way is to reduce taxes, thus stimulating growth, and in turn get more tax money. Then they can give more to their voters. However this is not rational, even if it does work.

So the premier way is to raise taxes and then institute the “gift”. That seems rational (even if it might not be). The problem is that the gift stays in place even if the “raise taxes to pay for it” does not work.

So either way we have rising “gifts” and because the Democrats way seems logical we get less and less money with more and more “gifts”.

The Republicans have a tough row to hoe. That is to explain to all that taxing the rich (who pay most of the taxes) is good for the less rich. Let’s see if history can trump the surface logic.

What if?

There are many turning points in history. In recent history, the confuluence of Churchill and Roosevelt was a turning point in World War II. What if Roosevelt had said "No" Winston, you go it alone? We would have been a very different world.

Lincoln was at a turning point is our country. What if a weaker person had been there. What if he had said no to war to save the union? We would have been a very different country.

What if we are at a major turning point in history.

What if we leave Iraq and and radiical Muslims and Iran take over Iraq and control the vast oil deposits. With that revenue and their ideology we will be a very different world.

What if Iran goes nuclear and carries out it's pledge to wipe Isarel off the map?

What if they team up with Russia?

What if the radical Muslims rule more and more?

What if?

The irony of it all

The brand new Iraq Parliament is not doing what we want them to do. They have "benchmarks" that are not being met. They are considering a summer vacation! How could they when they have not made the hard decision on the division of the oil revenues!!!!

The congressmen and senators are all hot and bothered about this situation.... expecially the Democrats. How could they?

How could they indeed. The immigration problem is not been dealt with. Social Security and entitlements issue is not done? And they are going on vacation.

How could they?

July 4th.... Fireworks or Freedom

On this national holiday, we stop to remember FREEDOM; what has gone into getting it, what goes into keeping it!

You can't help but remember the great turning points in history that helped us get where we are. Such as Churchill and Roosevelt combining to turn back Nazism.

But what if you are in such a time? Will history look back at this time and say that there was a great thing done to save freedom, or will they ask "Why didn't they do more?"

I suspect we are at that point. We have what some would say a pesky" problem. They killed 3,000 in the United States, they have killed several in London, Madrid and other spots around the world. They continue to try to kill others. Many such killing have been thwarted recently; in the United Kingdom.

No doubt they are planning more. The BIG show has been thwarted, but what if someone pulled out a hand grenade and threw it into a crowded street corner in New York or you local mall's food court.... and it happened several times in all parts of the US in a single day.

this is something that could easily be done, almost impossible to stop. Does anyone doubt that something like that will happen sometime soon.

We are fighting a determined enemy. An enemy that has people willing to die to kill others. We have an innovative enemy, It is time to think of this time as one of those turning points in history and get serious about the war.

Will be steadfast in fighting for freedom or treat it as a "pesky" problem?

The Rule of Law

The massive immigration legislation in congress failed. It failed because the people rose up and protested. This usally doesn't work, but this time it did. Why?

The people are slowly realizing that our government (whether national, state or local) is not into enforcing the law or at least, being very selective about which laws they enforce.

Take for example the term "Sanctuary Cities". What we are saying here is in this city we will not enforce this law. Selective.

Lets go to the congress and this immigration legislation. We have laws on the books that are ignored, not enforced or with a wink and a nod are worthless. We are on to them.

With a law on the books that is not enforced and the illegal immigrants know it.... So let's make a new law that will be ignored and not enforced.

Essentially what they are saying.... this is illegal, there a lot of people that are illegal, so let's make it legal to be illegal.... therefore we solve the problem.

A bad road to go down. It undermines everything that we have held dear.... and have made this country what it is. This great nation is crumbling, thanks to our elected leaders.

Everybody Knows

When you hear the phrase; "Everybody Knows" (as in "everybody knows that global warming is caused by man and we have to do something about it." or "Everybody knows the George Bush is dumb") you should be on alert that the speaker wants the argument to be over.... Don't continue to try to convince me, my mind is closed.

Christoper Hitchens has written a new book titled; "God is not great". Now, this is a book long argument against religion, more specifically Christianity. In interviews he has said to believers "just keep you beliefs to yourself, don't try to foist them on me". He wants to make his argument, but wants to cut off the other sides argument. "Everybody knows I am right"... end of argument.

He is saying to the Christian.... go ahead and believe, but keep it to yourself. He does not realize that he is asking the Christian to deny a major part of his belief, the part that tells a Christian to "Go and make disciples or all people."

A democracy, and life really is an ongoing argument. When we stop arguing, we stop growing. When we close our mind we stop growing.

Mr. Hitchens would not like it if he was in a desert, parched and desperate and he came across another person who knew where there was a cool spring but he kept it to himself.

Open you mind Mr. Hitchens as you would want your readers and listeners to do.

And, readers, beware when you hear the phrase; "Everybody knows".

Immigration Fraud

A 700 page bill.... Totally changing our society... Done in two weeks??? I don't think so! The congress is suffering from "We have to do SOMETHING" syndrome. Essentially they have not done anything since the new congress came in.... and that may be a good thing.

As to immigration what they are trying to do is just a game. We saw the obligatory press conference from the negotiators.... Essentially "Aren't We Great". We have done SOMETHING!". They can go back to the perks of being in congress, maybe retire, maybe get voted out of office and leave the mess for someone else.

There are just four things that have to happen is we are to solve this problem.

1. Border security. Not only to stop illegal immigration but stop terrorists.
2. Tamper proof identification. Let private industry come up with that. Task Microsoft, or some other high tech company to develop.
3. Put the burden on employers to hire only legal immigrants.
4. Make no accommodations for other than the English language. with the possible exception of providing English lessons.

If they were serious about this problem they would do these three things and it would not require a 700 page bill.

Reflections on a Cruise Across the Atlantic to Europe

7 days on a nice cruise ship can either be boring or great.... For me it was great. I had things to do, there were interesting things to do provided by the ship and of course the FOOD!

Some thoughts.

Courtesy begets Courtesy! With a ship crew that was unfailing courteous, upbeat and willing to go out of their way to help... rubbed off on all and we all benefited!

We visited Ireland, France and Great Britain. I was struck by the fact that this world is very nice. The spring had come to these countries and there were green and colorful.

Also, those countries are very expensive with the weak dollar!... In Ireland and France it was not as bad (Euros) as England (Pounds)

We spent three nights in London at a hotel within walking distance to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. One of my heros is Winston Churchill and we did Churchill up right! The most interesting is the Cabinet War Rooms. This is a restored underground bunker where Churchill ran the war.

I was struck by the grandeur of the buildings. Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul Cathedral.... all larger than life and magnificent!

One last item... Cruise ships are not friendly to the waist line!

More thoughts later.

On Imus, The Rutgers Girls and The Duke Trio

There are a number of things I have learned... among them...

1. The Rutgers girls are not the hard and mature as they might be if they are hurt and defined by an insignificant talk show host. They have been called "Hos" by any number of black rappers many times... and that is ok.

2. Imus learned that certain people can say stuff, certain people cannot.

3. Apologies are never the end if you say something politically incorrect, it is only the beginning.

4. An election is more important than doing justice and the right think to some. (But justice apparently prevailed, but after much damage by a no standards public servant.

A Friend Dies

My friend died. He and we had known just before Christmas that that would be his last Christmas on this earth. He had spend a life lived well. At the end he was ready. He was ready to meet his maker and was happy to do so. I was privileged to speak at his service. Below are those remarks:

This church has given me many benefits…. It has given me a lot or good friends and great role models That list is long, but at the top of that list is Clay.

I called him my mentor… in my faith, my life, my business. The first time I stepped into this church Clay invited me to the Upper Room SS class.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that class…. Clay and Jane started that class 30 some years ago. Along with Jane and Steve Sorensen I am trying to keep it going. It has become a powerful influence in our lives. A great support for all the troubles members have had in the last year. I think the Bible tells us that troubles make us stronger! I think it has. That class has produced many blessing thanks to Clay and Jane.

I would call up Clay and say that your mentoree needs help!

I think he took me on as a challenge, a reclamation project and spend the later part of his life rounding off my edges!

I was talking to Steve Sorenson earlier this week, after Clay’s passing and he said… He was one of a kind! Indeed he was.

Clay lived a godly life. One of the unique parts of Clay’s witness was that he lived the Beatitudes…. Not just the Beatitudes, the entire Sermon on the Mount. If there is anything that is the antithesis to the modern world it is the Beatitudes. Clay lived them, and by his life again proved God’s way is right, the world’s way is wrong.

If you have been in the Terry Kitchen you have seen a little plaque…. Blessed are the Peacemakers.

Clay was a peacemaker.

I first saw it in closing real estate deals. Some buyers and sellers don’t quit negotiating when the contract is signed… They negotiate until the money changes hands and they walk out the lawyer’s door. Clay understood this and I saw him make peace many times and save the deal.

A personal a story, it was typical of his efforts to “round off my edges”.

When I was on the Elders board, I had an issue about something that the church wasn’t doing, or should do. I wrote out my idea, explained the benefits outlined my arguments. Answered all the objections. I t was a masterpiece in my mind.

Of course I let Clay read it first. He did. No comment on the “masterpiece” instead he told me a story.

A long time client of the law firm up and left.

“I was upset, I was angry… after all we had done for them! I wrote a letter outlining my thoughts and arguments. It was typed and laid on my desk for my signature. I read it over and promptly wadded it up and threw it in the basket and moved on.”

And that is where my “masterpiece” went. Another step in my education by Clay.

I remember I gave him some advice on a problem he had and his proposed solution. I said “Clay, don’t do it!” No story, you might consider, no softness…. Just “Don’t do it!” What can I say, I’m not Clay Terry!

What is the saying?: "I’ve met Clay Terry and I am no Clay Terry."

Whether it was a breakfast at Perkins, just sitting on my back porch watching the lake or the golfers on the 18^th, playing golf, running my remote control sailboat… they were just something to drape our conversations over.

He was always there for me. I hope I was always there for him during these last few difficult months.

The last time I talked to Clay about this service he wanted it to be joyous. The sadness overwhelms our joy, but we have much to be joyous about as we celebrate this Godly man and the godly family he led.

As I was thinking about this, my wife Carol told me a little fun story…

Context: We are dealing with a man convinced there is a minimum daily requirement of about two large handfuls of Cheetos.

Their paths crossed in Publix. As they talked Carol looked over the basket… Crackers, cheese dip, cookies, ice cream bars and of course Cheetos. He puts on a sheepish grin and says… “Jane sent me shopping!”

And another treasure…

Carol’s birthday party the day after she got out of the hospital. Clay and Charlie DuBois sang happy birthday in that Norwegian accent or speech impediment accent. I understand this is a Terry family tradition. Fortunately I have a video clip of that and I think that it will be a staple of Carol’s birthdays from here on!

Let me tell you of a joyous time for Clay and me.

Clay liked to play golf. But golf and Clay were not a natural fit. Paul and Chris (sons) are pretty good golfers, but they did not get it from their dad.

Five weeks ago yesterday he called up to see if I was accepting visitors that day. (That’s what I usually said to him!) He said lets hit a few balls on the driving range… then retire to your porch.

So we did. Clay brought a few clubs and I got a few clubs including my new driver. I love that new driver…. Big head, light as a feather and has a wonderful crack when I hit it and it has corrected my power “fade”. David Crews would say slice!

So we hit a few balls and he turns to me and says…. I just brought my clubs for show, now I want that new driver. Clay loved it too. I think mainly with that big head you could not miss the ball!!!

He hit one… CRACK… right down the middle. As good as any I have seen him hit! Wow… where did that come from? Then again. Then one more time. Perfect….

He looks at me with that slight smile and says…. I can’t do any better than that. Let’s go to the porch and have something to drink.

Golfers… can it get any better than that. Perhaps the last time he swung a club to crack it dead on the screws, dead down the middle and as long as ever!

Can it get any better than two good friends sharing that moment?

Joyous…. I’ll remember that little joy forever.

Each of you have a little joy from Clay. So remember Clay and that little joy.

In the last days, I think Clay said to God…. I’ve done my best…. Let’s go sit on your back porch!

Slouching toward Socialism

John McCain made it a point in a recent campaign speech to alert the nation to the growing socialism in South America. As President he said he would pay more attention to South America to slow that growing trend.

I would agree that that is important. Socialist countries do not grow economically, they regress in many ways, perhaps the most being human dignity.

But Senator McCain might look in his own backyard and see the growing socialism in our OWN backyard.

Several cities have banned trans fats! Our health care system is headed to socialism basically because of government action that makes it inevitable that there be more intervention.

We have a Social Security system that cannot sustain itself. Medicare the same way. Now we add a prescription benefit will add to the problem.

Government should do things for the people that they cannot do themselves. Health care was once something that we could do for ourselves. Not anymore, thanks to government action.

If all the evidence shows that socialism does not work... why are we heading that way? Perhaps it is the addiction to the idea that we will get something for nothin'! But we know that will not be the case, but we like and want it anyway!

Slouching.... No, maybe we are up and running towards Socialism!

Turn Down the Volume

On CNN Wolf Blitzer has a program that tries to deal with the political world in a serious way, called the Situation Room. But not this particular day.

He had Donald Trump on and he was spouting off about President Bush being the worst president in our history, he went from one fragmented sentence to another, broken argument to another broken argument… no facts, no evidence, no “here is why he beats out President So and So for the title”

Why would he have Trump on? Good question! I think the answer is that in this media climate every program needs a louder and louder voice, someone who will say outrageous things topped by something even more outrageous! Trump and Rosie O’Donnell are prime examples. Is there any reason for you or I, or anybody to listen to Donald and Rosie? I think not.

The problem to get an audience they think they need a louder and louder noice and someone that will say something more and more outrageous. A quiet rational argument no longer has many homes on the media.

So as we go thru this long political season it is time to turn down the volume…. No, perhaps it is time to turn off the TV and radio for a time and come back with the shouting is over.

My Brother Died. My Friend is Dying. Two Bitter Sweet Services

I have attended services for two people close to me; a healing service (based on James 5:14 – 16, for my friend Clay and a memorial service for my brother Bobby.

Bobby died a couple years ago and my sister put together a wonderful memorial service. He had a large apartment and the first part of the service was held in the apartment complex meeting room. The whole thing was very nice; not too many people, but each of them had a real personal connection to my brother.

Several people spoke of personal remembrances, including me. I talked about the many health problems Bobby had faced without complaints.

I remembered as kids we fought! After all, we were brothers and we fought quite regularly…. “Outside!” my mother would command! “If you are going to do that, go outside!” I remember being chased by my much bigger brother and slyly pulling a chair in his way to aid my escape. Many chairs were pulled in Bobby’s way in life, but he pursued life with vengeance.

After the service in the meeting room we retired to his apartment. He had said that the most wonderful sound in life is the popping of a champagne cork. We popped a few, and the enjoyment of the moment continued!

Recently I attended a bittersweet service for my friend, my mentor, Clay. Clay has dispensed guidance to me for years, both in my business life, my spiritual life and just how to live life. He continues to do so today.

Recently our pastor, Rev. Rockness led a healing service for Clay with a few family and friends. It was bitter because we know that the prognosis for Clay is not great, but sweet because I know the outcome for Clay.

Healing? Maybe. We do not know God’s plans. We do not know what healing he may dispense. Sometimes he calms our storms, sometimes he calms us to withstand the storms. But after viewing Clay’s life for almost thirty years, I know the final outcome.

The bitter part of my brother’s memorial service? All during that wonderful service a cold rock of fear was there, for I am not assured of the final outcome for my brother.

So continue to pray for Clay. The Bible says, “and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well (James 5:15) and “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.“ (James 5: 16)

And remember the bitter part of a loved one leaving without assurance of the “outcome”...And act!

That's Not Nice

Peggy Noonan had a wonderful column in the Wall Street Journal about the level of political discourse currently under the title “That’s Not Nice”.

Here are some quotes:

“One of the clearest statements ever about the implied limits of legitimate political discourse was made by the imprisoned Socrates in his first dialogue with Crito, when he said, "That's not nice." Actually, it was your grandmother who said "That's not nice." She's the one who probably taught you the wince. It is her wisdom, encapsulated in those three simple words, that is missing from the current debate.”

“But all of broken-windows theory comes down to what Grandma always knew and said: "Fix the window or they'll think no one cares! When people think no one cares, they do whatever they want." There was not a single grandmother in America circa 1750-2007 who didn't know this. But no one wants to quote Grandma. She's so yesterday. And her simple teachings have been superseded by more exotic forms of instruction.”

“Fifty years ago no one speaking at a respected political gathering would say, would even think of saying that Adlai Stevenson is a faggot. Nor would Arthur Godfrey or Jack Paar have declared on their television shows that we'd be better off if Eisenhower died. Is our discourse deteriorating? Yes, it is.”

“We should forbid less and demand more. We should exert less pressure from without and encourage more discipline from within. We should ask people to be dignified, hope they'll be generous, expect them to be fair. When they're not, we should correct them. But

we shouldn’t beat them to a pulp. Because that’s not nice.”

The left and right first of all thought if they raised their voice a little louder…

When that did not work, the talked over each other…

When that did not work the resorted to words…. Lied! Duped us! Faggot! “We would be better off if he were dead!

Notice… None of those talk about ideas, none is an argument; in fact, it is the antithesis of an argument! When you hear nasty words it indicates that the talker is out of ideas and is out of the argument.

Not just the talk show people are into this… the leaders of the Democratic and Republican Party are into it! You have to hand it to the President… he may not have done the thing we think he ought, but he has never resorted to words that our grandmothers would say; “That’s not nice!”

SOME THOUGHTS ON PICKING A PRESIDENT and WHO WE WILL GET!

What should we look for in a candidate for the President of the United States?

He or she is going to run the biggest business in the world... We might look for someone who has successfully run a large business.

He is going to select department heads that will run very large operations. We might look for someone who has hired people, fired people and motivated people.

He is going to be dealing with people around the world. We might look for someone who has traveled extensively.

He is going to make decisions that impact millions of people both here and around the world. We might consider someone that has a vision of the future.


We will get:

The one that promises the most,
The one that does best on television
The one that has the best quip that will be in the news the nest hour.
The one that hires the best advisors
The one the looks the best on TV
The one that does not challenge anyone, least of all the voters